Roger Federer's comments came after it emerged that tennis authorities are looking into irregular betting patterns on a Wimbledon match.

Online bookmaker Betfair alerted the Tennis Integrity Unit after £700,000 was gambled on the first-round contest in which Austrian number 26 seed Jurgen Melzer beat American Wayne Odesnik in straight sets

Federer was asked for his view on the controversial betting issue and said: "If it's happening or not, we are suspecting. We're not sure. But, of course, it has no place in tennis."

"But it's hard to control. I'm sure the ATP (Association of Tennis Professional) and the ITF (International Tennis Federation), we're trying our best to catch those guys - if there are any out there."

"I think we should have massive bans on those who get caught so they get really scared of doing it. We talk about it in the Player Council and Player Board."

There's nothing suspicious about placing a bet on Wimbledon favourite, Roger Federer, to win a record 15th major. Federer's latest Wimbledon odds are 4/7 from Sportingbet.